Beavers have a reputation for being a nuisance - with gnawing down trees - but beaver activity is actually an important part of the health of our watersheds.

Beaver dams help maintain wetlands by preventing erosion and soaking up floodwater. A young beaver recently moved into the Schweitzer Natural Area, a 30-acre site along Johnson Creek Watershed near Powell Butte.

The Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) restored the Schweitzer Natural Area in 2009. Watersheds store floodwater during heavy rains, improve water quality by filtering pollutants, and provide habitats for endangered creatures. Today, the area is flourishing, and the project is a success! Native beavers like this young one are thriving thanks to the restoration project – and in turn, are helping us maintain the health of our watersheds.